Samsung debuts new fusion chip

TAIPEI ― Samsung Electronics announced yesterday that it has developed a new “fusion” semiconductor that supports two functions of flash memory in a single chip, allowing companies to adjust which function they want to use.
At the Samsung Mobile Solution Forum, an annual industry convention, Hwang Chang-gyu, president of Samsung’s semiconductor business, introduced the Flex-OneNAND, the world’s first chip that has modifiable functions.
The Flex-OneNAND silicon chip contains two types of NAND flash memory. Until now, such chips were produced separately because they supported slightly different functions. Flash memory is used as a storage device in place of hard disk drives in small digital devices such as cell phones, portable music players and laptop computers. Flash memory chips don’t require power to maintain information stored in them and they can endure pressure and extreme temperature, which is why they are popular for small devices.
The “modifiable” fusion chip is the first of its kind and opens new possibilities for makers of consumer electronics. Earlier chips had pre-set functions and device makers had to buy several chips. This will reduce the space required for memory, allowing new design and lower transmission noise caused by multiple chips.
Samsung will begin producing a four-gigabyte Flex-OneNAND next month. It expects sales of $100 million and is aiming for $1 billion by 2012.
Samsung also announced developments for smart phones and portable navigation devices, including a solution that marries application processors with memory, a chip to enhance digital image quality, and a thin film transistor liquid crystal display panel that comes with sensors that automatically adjust brightness.

By Wohn Dong-hee Staff Writer [wohn@joongang.co.kr]